FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – DECEMBER 4, 2025
North Slope Borough, Alaska — The City of Atqasuk and Iḷisaġvik College are pleased to announce a new partnership supporting higher education and community growth across the North Slope. The City of Atqasuk has committed to an annual $25,000 contribution to support the development and sustainability of Iḷisaġvik College’s new campus in Utqiaġvik.
“Our community believes that when we invest in education, we invest in our future,” said Douglas Whiteman, Mayor of Atqasuk. “Iḷisaġvik College represents opportunity for our young people and a way to carry our Iñupiat values forward. The City of Atqasuk’s annual gift represents more than financial support, it’s a strong message of community partnership and pride.”
Currently, Iḷisaġvik College operates out of thirteen (13) separate units within a 70-year-old building that was never designed to serve as a college. The new campus will bring all operations together in a single, modern facility that will expand the College’s capacity, connectivity, and ability to serve every village within the North Slope Borough.
‘We are deeply grateful to the City of Atqasuk Mayor and Councilmembers for their leadership and generosity,” said Justina Wilhelm, President of Iḷisaġvik College. “This investment strengthens our collective vision for culturally grounded education on the North Slope, showing their local commitment to higher education. I also want to recognize Patti Lloyd, former Atqasuk Board of Trustee, for her unwavering dedication to improving both K–12 and higher education on the North Slope was instrumental in bringing this effort forward.”
The new campus will house Iḷisaġvik College’s academic, vocational, and technical programs in a learning environment that perpetuates and strengthens Iñupiat culture, language, values, and traditions. Iḷisaġvik currently offers one bachelor’s degree, 11 associate degrees, 26 certificates, and many short-term training courses across diverse fields, including Accounting, Liberal Arts, Allied Health, Business & Office Administration, CDL/Heavy Truck Operations, Construction Trades, Industrial Safety, Iñupiaq Studies, and Workforce Development. Many programs result in industry-recognized or regulatory certifications.
Serving an average of 1,200 students annually, Iḷisaġvik College continues to expand access to quality post-secondary education rooted in Iñupiat values. The new campus is envisioned as a circumpolar beacon for Arctic education, strengthening opportunities for students and communities across Alaska.
The City’s annual $25,000 contribution will be directed toward the continued development and sustainability of the new campus, ensuring that Iḷisaġvik College remains a beacon of learning, Iñupiaq values, and opportunity for generations to come. The City of Atqasuk is honored to play a part in ensuring that higher education remains accessible and culturally grounded for generations to come.
About the City of Atqasuk
Located on the Meade River, Atqasuk is one of the eight Iñupiat communities within the North Slope Borough. The City is dedicated to maintaining its cultural traditions while supporting growth, education, and opportunity for future generations.
About Iḷisaġvik College
Iḷisaġvik College is Alaska’s only Tribal college and is located in the northernmost village in the United States, Utqiaġvik (Barrow). Iḷisaġvik College provides quality post-secondary academic, career, and technical education in a learning environment that perpetuates and strengthens Iñupiat culture, language, values, and traditions. It is dedicated to serving its students and developing a well-educated and trained workforce who meet the human resource needs of North Slope employers and the state of Alaska.
Iḷisaġvik College Contact:
Caitlin Walls
Executive Director of Institutional Advancement
907-319-8755
caitlin.walls@ilisagvik.edu